Oct 14, 2023

Nothing can ruin your day like engine problems in your Subaru. Luckily, if you look out for the warning signs of trouble, you can rush to your Subaru dealer for repairs and save yourself the headaches of a failed engine. Here are the engine issues you should fix at your local dealer.

6 Engine Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Subaru Dealer

1. Hard Starts

Is your Subaru’s engine struggling to turn over? This problem could be caused by a faulty starter or worn-out spark plugs. If you haven’t replaced these starter components recently, you should get them checked out and replaced.

Hard starts can also be caused by a faulty fuel pump, air filter, or injector. Your dealer’s technicians can pinpoint the faulty components and replace them to restore smooth starting in your Subie.

2. Overheating Engine

An overheating engine is perhaps the most serious warning that something is wrong under the hood. You may be dealing with low oil levels, a clogged or faulty radiator, a broken water pump, or a failing cooling fan. Driving with an overheated engine can warp the cylinders and cause coolant leaks. Visit your dealer, so their Subaru-trained technician can repair the damaged components and restore cooling under the hood.

3. Rough Idling

Does your Subaru shake or vibrate noticeably when stopped at a light with the engine running? This indicates a rough idle, which means the engine’s RPMs are fluctuating inconsistently. Rough idling is caused by faulty spark plugs or fuel delivery issues. You should repair your spark plugs and fuel system immediately to prevent the vibrations from damaging the engine belts, mounts, and hoses.

4. Loss of Power

Sluggish acceleration or an inability to maintain speed shows your Subaru’s engine is struggling. This power loss means there is a disruption in the four-stroke combustion cycle that converts fuel to power. Causes can range from clogged fuel injectors to faulty valves or spark plugs. Your dealer’s technicians can diagnose the exact issue and fix it to restore power to the engine.

5. Excessive Noise and Vibrations

Unusual sounds like knocking, hissing, or popping indicate issues with the combustion process inside the engine. Knocking and popping sounds occur when pockets of the air-fuel mixture detonate on their own instead of igniting through the spark plugs. Vibrations usually stem from misfiring spark plugs. All these noises and vibrations signify trouble, so you should get your engine checked immediately.

6. Decreased Fuel Economy

If you notice a significant decrease in your Subie’s fuel mileage, you could be dealing with engine issues like a clogged fuel filter, a faulty oxygen sensor, timing issues, or worn spark plugs. Fix these defects to prevent engine damage and improve your Subaru’s fuel efficiency.

Your Subaru’s engine is a complex system that should only be handled by experts. Contact Jim Keras Subaru if you notice the above signs of engine trouble. Our certified technicians have advanced diagnostic tools and repair equipment to restore your engine and get you back on the road quickly.